- US President Donald Trump addressed thousands at the National Mall after severe weather briefly disrupted the historic celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, with a record-breaking fireworks display capping the event.
US President Donald Trump addressed the nation during the 250th anniversary celebrations of the United States’ Declaration of Independence on Saturday night, after severe thunderstorms briefly delayed the landmark event and forced the temporary evacuation of spectators from the National Mall.
Determined to proceed despite the weather, Trump told the crowd that he would not allow the celebrations to be interrupted, thanking those who returned after the evacuation.
“I want to thank everybody because they did the right thing,” he said. “There’s no way we can be deterred.”
The address, delivered hours later than originally scheduled, formed the centerpiece of the nationwide commemoration of America’s 250 years of independence.
Before the event, Trump had described the gathering as “the most spectacular Trump rally of them all” in a post on his Truth Social platform.
The celebrations concluded with a record-breaking fireworks display over Washington, D.C., illuminating the capital as thousands gathered to mark the historic milestone.
Earlier in the evening, organizers ordered spectators to seek shelter in nearby federal buildings and Smithsonian museums as thunderstorms approached the capital.
Once conditions improved, the event resumed, with Trump arriving at the National Mall shortly before taking the stage.
The anniversary celebrations were held across the United States with parades, concerts and community events, although extreme weather disrupted programs in several cities.
In Washington, however, the delayed ceremony went ahead as planned, underscoring the significance of the country’s semiquincentennial celebration.
